THOUSANDS braved the cold and wet weather to attend the annual Brightona event.

Motorbike enthusiasts roared along Madeira Drive yesterday on motorbikes and scooters to raise money for the Sussex Heart Charity.

Terry Ayres, chief executive of Sussex Heart Charity and co-founder of Brightona, said: “The weather wasn’t great which is a shame, but it was still a fantastic turnout.

“Every year Madeira Drive is packed with people.

“We aim to raise between £5,000 and £10,000. The proceeds will be used to buy defibrillators to put in bikers’ locations.

“We want to thank everyone who came to the event. You can still donate to our charity by going to our website.”

David Pell, 62, co-founder of Social Beach Cruisers, said: “This is our first Brightona event as our company just started a year ago.

“We are originally from Leicestershire. We travel around the country and Europe for live motor shows.

“Brighton has a lot of motor fans, particularly people between the age of 30 and 70.”

Gary Foley, 60, owner of motorcycle gear company Public Enemy, said: “This is my eighth Brightona event. I really love it and it’s for a great cause.

“The weather didn’t deter people from coming, it just shows how much Brightonians love motoring events.”